Free Lie by Moonlight by Amanda Quick

knowledge that she must look as though she had just gotten out of bed. It was the simple truth, of course, but somehow that only made matters worse. She was violently aware of the fact that Ambrose was likely quite nude under the robe. And she had on only a nightgown under the wrapper.
    He gave her a slow smile that scattered her senses to the four winds.
    “I see you are an early riser, Miss Glade.”
    “Yes, well, I assumed the household was still asleep.” She cleared her throat. “I did not realize that you were up and about.”
    “I also tend to rise early. It appears we have something in common.”
    Flustered, she took a step back. “I will come back some other time.”
    “No need to retreat. The bath is all yours.”
    “Oh. Thank you.” She looked past him into the gleaming interior, aware of the warm, steamy air flowing out of it. “I must say it is a very lovely bath.”
    The corner of his mouth twitched. “Do you think so?”
    “Oh, yes, indeed.” She was unable to restrain her enthusiasm. “Modern and sanitary in every particular. It even has a hot water shower device.”
    He shoved his hands into the pockets of his robe and nodded seriously. “I did notice that when I used it a few minutes ago.”
    She was beyond a blush now. Her face was surely bright red. If only there was a convenient trapdoor beneath her feet. She would give anything to be able to drop out of sight.
    She sighed. “You must think me a perfect fool. It is just that I have never been employed in such a modern household.”
    “You are not working here, Miss Glade.” The faint crinkles at the corners of his eyes tightened, giving the impression that he was irritated. “You are a guest.”
    “Yes, well, it is very kind of you to say so, but we both know that the situation is highly irregular, to say the least, what with the master of the house gone—”
    “And I am aware that you are no fool,” he concluded, as though she had not spoken. “By the way, if you elect to employ the shower fixture, I advise caution. The damned thing spits hot and cold water out like so many small bullets. In my opinion the entire concept needs a great deal more thought and considerable improvement if the device is ever to replace a proper bath in a tub.”
    She cleared her throat. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    He turned and walked away toward his own bedroom. “When you have finished indulging yourself in the pleasures of our very modern, extremely sanitary bath, I would like you to meet me downstairs in the breakfast room. I have some questions for you.”
    “What is it you wish to know?” she asked warily.
    “Among other things, I would very much like to learn a bit more about you, Miss Glade. You are something of a mystery to me.”
    Her heart sank. “What do the details of my personal situation have to do with finding Alexander Larkin?”
    “Nothing, perhaps.” He stopped at the door of his room and lookedback at her. “But among my many lamentable failings is that when I have questions, I cannot seem to rest until I get answers.”
    She gave him a repressive look of the sort that could quiet a room full of chattering young ladies. “I expect you spend a good many sleepless nights, sir.”
    “Yes, but I do not consider that to be a significant problem.” He gave her a slow, devastatingly intimate smile. “I seldom have any difficulty finding other things besides sleep to occupy me at night.”
    She did not doubt that for a moment. Aware that she was blushing furiously, she stalked into the glorious bath and closed the door very firmly.

9
    D ownstairs in the peaceful solitude of the breakfast room he drank tea and read the papers, as was his habit. But he was aware that a part of him was waiting for Concordia with a sense of mingled expectation and irritation.
    It was such a small thing, but it annoyed him that she seemed so uneasy with the notion of herself as a guest in the household. It was as if she was determined to maintain